Tens of thousands of Czechs protested on Wednesday against government actions over soaring energy prices and the country’s membership in NATO and the European Union, Reuters reported.

The Czech Republic First! group opposes the European Union and NATO and calls for military neutrality.

Protesters held banners that read “End of Comedy,” and many waved Czech flags.

“This government is absolutely anti-Czech. It only serves Brussels, American power and NATO. It doesn’t consider the interests of Czech citizens,” said Pavel Nebel, 53.

The organizers, whose program also demands an end to the “planned erosion of the nation,” opened the protest with a rendition of the national anthem, after which speakers took the stage to condemn the government.

“The government has two responsibilities: to ensure our security and economic prosperity. This government is not fulfilling either of those duties,” said one of the speakers.

Media reported that hundreds of people gathered in other cities to watch an online broadcast of the protest in Prague.

High energy prices have forced governments across Europe to soften the blow of rising energy prices for consumers and businesses. The Czech government has signed up to EU sanctions against Russia.